Remarks
by Mary L. Chute,
Acting Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services
AT THE
2005 NATIONAL AWARDS FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICE
The White House, Washington, DC
January 30, 2006
Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for the introduction and for
graciously hosting today’s celebration. Most importantly,
thank you for being a true friend to the nation’s
libraries and museums. I’d like to take a moment
to mention just a few of the tangible ways in which
that friendship has made a real difference to museums
and libraries and the people who use them.
Mrs. Bush hosted the first-ever White House conference
on school libraries, spotlighting research that ties
academic achievement to strong school library programs;
and launched the National Book Festival, which began
in 2001 and has continued annually. She is personally
responsible for the creation of the Librarians for the
21st Century Program, an IMLS grant program that supports
recruitment and training of librarians. Now appropriately
known as the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program,
this new source of grants has grown over a very short
time to $24 million annually, largely due to the support
of the First Lady. Mrs. Bush is the leader of President
Bush's Helping America's Youth initiative, listening
to the concerns of young people, parents, and community
leaders throughout the country and drawing attention
to programs that help children avoid risky behaviors.
This year, with Mrs. Bush’s inspiration, IMLS
will pick up on this initiative by shining a spotlight
on the role libraries and museums play in youth development.
The First Lady’s support for education is unwavering
and sustained. It grows from her personal experience
as a schoolteacher and librarian. She inspires us to
do our best for the communities we serve.
I would also like to gratefully acknowledge the contribution
of 3M Library Systems to this year’s celebration.
Mrs. Bush has told you a bit about this year’s
winners of the National Awards for Museum and Library
Services. Please enjoy this brief video presentation
that will tell you a bit more.
(Awards Video shown - running yime: 2:27)
Mary Chute (continued): As you can see, we are in the
presence of some of the most skilled and innovative
library and museum professionals in the country. But
the National Award for Museum and Library Service is
not meant to recognize the mere mastery of library and
museum knowledge and technology. While professional
ability is an essential means to the end, this award
honors the people who make libraries and museums forces
for positive change in their communities. When we present
the awards we ask each of our honorees to be represented
not only by their CEO or board chairman, but also by
a member of the community who has thrived in some way
that would not have been possible if not for the outstanding
work of these exemplary institutions.
As you saw in the video presentation, our mission at
the Institute of Museum and Library Services is to create
and sustain a nation of learners. We’ve identified
four primary ways in which libraries and museums work
to achieve this essential goal: by enhancing learning
in families and communities, sustaining cultural heritage,
encouraging civic engagement, and building the skills
necessary for success in the 21st century. In all of
these ways, the best museums and libraries in America
--six of whom we are honoring today-- are allowing and
encouraging our citizens to learn throughout their lifetimes.
And now I would like Dr. Schroeder Cherry, Deputy Director
for Museum Services to help us with the presentation
of the awards.
